Creating a new ritual is always a risk, but I decided it was a risk I needed to take at this point in my healing process. I chose to begin my ritual with this poem because it represented for me the struggle I experienced in making my decision. If I had not created this ritual, I would have still been able to heal and to live a Jewish life, but the cost may have been that I would have allowed my abuser to render me invisible in the sight of my tradition. Of course, the ritual is only words and the mikvah is only water. They make no promises. But the spirituality and faith which I bring to this place and event can be the guiding forces in my search for the healing which lies ahead.

SANDRA:

"According to the Talmud, the ultimate source of all water is the river that emerged from Eden. By immersing ourselves in the mikvah, we participate in the wholeness of Eden. Natural water is required for a mikvah because water is a symbol of the life force of the universe. Fundamentally, mikvah is not about "uncleanliness" but about human encounters with the power of the holy."

STEPHANIE:

For me, the mikvah represents many things. The waters represent life, the womb, a protected environment where we are given the opportunity to grow unscathed by the outside world. Entering the water is to re-experience the tranquillity of the womb, with the understanding that to come back out is to once again face the harsh realities of the world, somewhat refreshed and renewed.

The mikvah also represents my tears. Sue Ann Wasserman mentions the mikvah as representative of tears in a ritual which she helped to develop. She mentions that surrounding oneself with the tear-representing water outside can help prompt the release of those tears which remain inside. When I enter the mikvah, I hope to imagine the water as both those tears which I have shed and those tears which I have yet to cry. Part of my hope is that this ritual with provide the catharsis necessary to allow me to begin to shed those tears.

The mikvah also represents my struggle. One year ago today, I came out of the hospital, unsure of what the future held, unsure if I would make it through another year. I never imagined what memories that year would bring. But I made it through. I can stand here today and say out loud, I was a victim, but I am becoming a survivor.

The timing of this ritual is also very important to me for other reasons. Spring is a time of renewal, the flowers bloom, the trees blossom, and many creatures give birth at this time of year. In Judaism, not only is this first month a time of renewal, but one of redemption as well. This month of Nissan marks the Exodus from Egypt. Just as Miriam and the Jews entered the waters of the Red Sea, separating from a life of slavery and entering into a new beginning, I will enter the waters of this mikvah, separating from the past which I can not change and entering into a new stage of my healing process.

It is important to note that crossing the Red Sea was not an ending for Miriam and the Jews, it was only the beginning of a journey which lasted a lifetime. Nor was the exodus without its struggles. As the Jews wandered in the desert, there were times they regretted leaving. There were memories of the few advantages to their past situation. Furthermore, there were times when the Jews felt lost, physically and spiritually. But the Shekhinah was with them throughout their journey providing them with the strength and courage to continue.

So it is with me. Entering this mikvah is not an ending, it is merely the beginning of something new, of a year I have chosen to dedicate to healing, of a lifetime as a survivor of incest. Even as I go through the stages of healing, the past will never be completely wiped away from my mind. There will still be the memories of the love and affection which came with the abuse and pain. And I will continue to struggle to understand where I am going and where I've been and to believe that there is life after abuse if I only choose to live. But wherever I go. I know that the Shechina will be with me to guide me with strength and courage.

As I immerse myself in the waters of the mikvah, may this mark for me a new beginning, a time of renewal and healing yet to come.

May the one who blessed our mothers, help _______ to find the courage to continue on her journey to healing. Sh'khinah, bless her with a complete healing, a renewal of spirit and a renewal of body. And let us say: Amen.

STEPHANIE:

"Women connect to each other.... This connection is powerful --a strong current of feeling conducted by the medium of our tears.

SUSAN:

To some, tears may be a symbol of woman's weakness. Here they are the symbol of a woman's strength:her ability to express feeling, empathy,connectedness.

SANDRA:

Shekhinah, I pray that Your spirit may pervade those whose tears will not flow; that they may experience the release of feeling that connects us to each other, to the tradition of our ancestors, to our progeny and to all humanity.